Manchester United are reportedly determined to keep both Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford this January, despite the pair experiencing limited game time under Rúben Amorim.

According to The Sun, the Portuguese manager has made it clear to the club hierarchy that he does not want to sanction any exits in the winter window, as he anticipates a challenging period due to player absences caused by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

With key squad members set to represent their countries in the tournament, United believe squad depth will be crucial in maintaining consistency across multiple competitions.

Man United duo have struggled or playing time

Both Zirkzee and Mainoo have found first-team opportunities difficult to come by since Amorim took charge, but their importance to the squad could grow significantly in the coming months.

Due to the signings of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, Zirkzee has struggled to find playing time this season.

Meanwhile, Mainoo, one of the club’s brightest academy graduates, continues to develop under Amorim’s guidance. Although competition in midfield remains fierce, with Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes occupying key roles, Mainoo is seen as an essential part of United’s long-term project.

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United will be without key players during AFCON

The manager’s insistence on retaining both players stems from the club’s looming AFCON absences. United will be without Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) for several weeks during the competition.

With such departures affecting both attacking and defensive depth, Amorim is wary of leaving his side short of options during a congested fixture schedule that includes the Premier League and the FA Cup.

With AFCON absences set to test United’s squad resilience, the decision to hold on to the duo may prove vital as the club looks to sustain its push to regain their dominance.

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The post Man United transfers: Ruben Amorim blocks double January move due to AFCON appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United future is heading for a decisive moment.

The Dutch striker has struggled for minutes under Rúben Amorim this season, squeezed further to the fringes by the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo.

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Zirkzee knows that regular club football is essential to stay in the Netherlands frame.

Joshua Zirkzee wants immediate solution

The striker wants a solution in the January transfer window with a move away from Old Trafford highly likely, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

The club, meanwhile, are looking to cash in, with an asking price in the €35-40 million range.

United hold advantage at the moment with the player contracted to the club till June 2029.

Zirkzee has made five appearances for the Red Devils so far this season.

West Ham United have already made initial contact to test the waters and understand the financials.

West Ham United could present him the opportunity to revive his career and stay in the Premier League.

Another Premier League club interested in the Dutchman is Brighton, however, competition for minutes will be more intense there.

Aston Villa admire Zirkzee’s profile as depth behind their first-choice options, with European fixtures adding to the minutes available.

Italy, however, may be the most compelling arena. Roma want a loan due to Financial Fair Play constraints, proposing to cover wages with an option to revisit a fee in the summer.

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Both Juventus and Milan are monitoring the situation, aware of Zirkzee’s Serie A pedigree from his impressive spell at Bologna.

Even ambitious Como, under Cesc Fàbregas, have entertained the idea of a marquee move, though the financials would be challenging for them.

Zirkzee looks increasingly likely to depart Old Trafford in search of more playing time and better opportunities.

A striker who was signed with high expectations and hope of a better future is now about to be shown the exit door at Man United.

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The post Sources: January exit is likely for 24-year-old Man United star struggling at Old Trafford appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United may add to their squad in January, but it appears very likely that there will be one or two players that leave Old Trafford. Specifically, it is being increasingly taken for granted that Joshua Zirkzee will depart, having been barely counted on since the start of the season.

Zirkzee has yet to start a match in any competition, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha/Mason Mount preferred to him as striker options. Because of this, he has made it clear that he wants to leave, and Man United are prepared to give the green light.

Roma ready January move for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee

As per TBR Football, Man United will sanction Zirkzee’s exit in January, and Roma are currently pushing hardest to sign him. They are prepared to cut short Evan Ferguson’s loan deal, which would open the door for the Dutch forward to return to Italy.

“We are told that Roma are now looking at the mechanisms to send the Irishman back to Brighton, which would enable them to bring in a new front-man, and Zirkzee is their favoured choice. Zirkzee is set to move and the interest in him is very strong, he can stay in England, has options back in Italy as we have revealed, but there are teams in Spain, France and Germany too – he really is going to have his pick.

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“United are going to sanction it, they really like his attitude and commitment, but given the summer arrivals of Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo, they all realise he is way down the pecking order. The Red Devils want him to go to the World Cup next summer, and the only chance is for him to play next year.”

It makes a lot of sense for Zirkzee to leave Man United, and it will be interesting to see whether a permanent deal is sought – either in January or next summer.

The post Man United sanction January exit for 24-year-old as Euro giants circle appeared first on CaughtOffside.